Nursing process used in drug administration

1. Role of the RN in Medication Assessment &
Administration

2. Drug History (Allergies, Prescription,
Drugs taken, Over-the-Counter Drugs
used).
Medical History (Biographical data,
Lifestyle and beliefs, Sensory and
cognitive status).
Physical Examination.

3. Collect Subjective & Objective
data: Client, Drug & Environment
Use current Drug handbook/text
reference/ licensed pharmacist
Create a medication profile

4. OTC meds (e.g. aspirin, vitamins, dietary
supplements, NSAIDS, laxatives, dietary
supplements, antacids, minerals,
elements)
Prescription Medications (e.g. birth
control pills, hormone replacements,
drugs for sexual dysfunction)
Street drugs (e.g. marijuana, cocaine,

5. Herbals & homeopathic substances
Problems with drug therapy in the
past (e.g., allergies, adverse
effects, diseases or injuries, organ
pathology)
Growth & development issues as
related to the client’s age and
specific expectations (

6.  Establish a therapeutic relationship with
client
 Use open ended questions (avoid “yes” or
“No” answers)
Questions/content of questions should include:
 Oral intake of client: how does client tolerate
fluids
 swallow problems
 Laboratory/diagnostic test value e.g. renal,
liver panels, hgb/hct., protein, albumin
levels.

7.  Consider client’s experience with meds/health
care system, previous hosp.
 Check vital signs (establish baseline)
 List meds client is taking /how taken/when
 List new meds ordered
 Use holistic framework- identify emotional,
physical, cognitive, cultural & socioeconomic
factors impacting drug therapy & nursing process

8. Prioritize the nursing diagnosis
Specify objective, measurable, realistic
goals
Establish a time period for achievement of
outcomes
If order is in question- do not give- call
physician for clarification/further
instructions.

9. Health Maintenance, Altered.
Knowledge Deficit.
Management of Therapeutic Regimen,
Ineffective.
Physical Mobility, Impaired.
Sensory/Perceptual Alterations.

10. Assessment.
 Administration.
 Teaching.
Primary nursing interventions related to
medication management are:

11.  Requires constant communication & collaboration with
client& health care team
 Follow the “eight rights”:
 Right patient
 Right medication
 Right dose
 Right route
 Right time
 Right documentation
 Right reason
 Right response

12. Right to a “double check”
Right to proper
storage/documentation
Right to accurate calculation&
preparation
Right to careful checking of
transcription of orders
Client safety- use of correct
administration procedures

13. Right to close consideration of
special situations e.g.: difficulty with
swallowing, client with NG tube or
who is unconscious
Right to having all measures taken
to prevent and report med errors if
they occur
Right to individualized /complete
client teaching

14. Monitor client responses to the
drug
Monitor expected and
unexpected responses
Monitor therapeutic (intended
effects), side effects , adverse
effects & toxic effects

15. Words are the most
powerful drugused
by mankind.
~Rudyard Kipling